Hi, why do we celebrate dashlakshan parv?
Answer
We celebrate Dashlakshan Parv to reflect on and practice the ten supreme virtues that purify the soul and lead it toward liberation.
It is mainly observed in the Digambar Jain tradition, usually after Paryushan, and is a sacred time for self-discipline, forgiveness, study, fasting, repentance, and inner transformation.
Explanation
“Dashlakshan” means ten characteristics or ten virtues. During this parv, Jains focus on these ten dharmas:
- Uttam Kshama – Supreme forgiveness
- Uttam Mardav – Supreme humility
- Uttam Arjav – Supreme straightforwardness
- Uttam Shauch – Supreme purity or contentment
- Uttam Satya – Supreme truthfulness
- Uttam Sanyam – Supreme self-restraint
- Uttam Tap – Supreme austerity
- Uttam Tyag – Supreme renunciation
- Uttam Akinchanya – Supreme non-attachment
- Uttam Brahmacharya – Supreme celibacy or purity of conduct
Each day is dedicated to one virtue. The purpose is not only ritual celebration, but to bring these qualities into daily life.
Spiritual Understanding
In Jain Dharma, the soul is naturally pure, peaceful, and full of infinite knowledge. But due to karma, passions like anger, pride, deceit, greed, attachment, and ego cover its true nature.
Dashlakshan Parv helps us:
- Reduce anger through forgiveness
- Reduce ego through humility
- Reduce deceit through honesty and simplicity
- Reduce greed through contentment and renunciation
- Strengthen self-control through sanyam and tap
So, Dashlakshan is a festival of the soul. It reminds us that true celebration is not outside, but inside—by becoming more peaceful, pure, and compassionate.
Takeaway
We celebrate Dashlakshan Parv to purify our thoughts, speech, and actions, practice the ten supreme virtues, seek forgiveness, and move closer to the Jain path of moksha.